BLOWOUT
Congratulations to two very special Members of our Club,
Colin (our hard working Secretary) and Cathy (his very patient wife) on the celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2026
Ashburton Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
Ashburton Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) Clubrooms and Museum Maronan Road P.O. Box 382 ASHBURTON Telephone: (03) 308 4595 E: ashburton@vcc.org.nz DISCLAMER
NOW AVAILABLE FROM:
The opinions and views expressed in Blowout are not necessarily those of the Editor or The Vintage Car Club of Ashburton. No offence is intended, nor will the Officers of this Club be liable for any breach.
Bruce McIlroy Limited 309 Methven Highway ASHBURTON 7776 Tel: 03 308 7282 Email: parts.bml@xtra.co.nz 2
BRANCH OFFICERS 2025- 2026
Patroness Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Diane Ross (Rob) Peter Jacob (Annette) Colin Sweetman (Cathy) Grant Cullimore (Judith)
Committee
Trevor Begg
308 3803
Peter Lambie (Susan)
302 0899
Alan Begg (Jeanette)
308 6171
Rod McKimmie (Dawn)
0273 106 781
John Wards (Jill)
027 222 7699 027 222 7699
Jill Blacklock (John)
308 2356 0274 712 109 307 7373 308 8119
Nat Exec Delegate
Colin Sweetman (Cathy)
307 7373
Museum Custodians
Les Bennett
308 4705
Trevor Coulter John Wells (Deirdre) Colin Sweetman (Cathy)
308 4817 307 0009 307 7373
Jim Rooney (Audrey) Michael Hanley Parts Custodians
308 4441 021 878 804
Gavin Smith (Gaylene)
308 2297
Alan Begg (Jeanette) Tony Adams (Diane) Grant Cullimore Rod McKimmie (Dawn)
308 6171 021 126 7992 308 8119 0273 106 781 0274 345 636
Blowout Editor
Owen Wilson (Lorraine) Chris Gulleford (Alan)
Blowout Circulation
Bernard Egan ( Marlene)
308 3999
Commercial Convener Motorcycle Convener
Kevin Keane John Wells (Deirdre)
302 8257 307 0009
Vintage Convener
Peter Lambie (Susan)
302 0899
Clubroom Custodians
(Monthly Roster)
VCC ID Officer - Pre1960
Peter Lambie (Susan)
302 0899
VCC ID Officer P60V P80V
Peter Jacob (Annette)
VCC ID Officer P60V P80V
Colin Sweetman (Cathy)
308 8940 307 7373
Trophy Steward
Tony Adams (Diane)
021 126 7 992
Swap Meet Booking
Cathy Sweetman
021 372 087,
Swap Meet Co-ordinator
Noel Batty (Marie)
308 4003
Beaded Wheels Reporter
Trevor Begg
Groundsperson
Rod McKimmie (Dawn)
Auditor
NIMBA Ltd
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0274 390 718
See list on last page
308 3803 0273 106 781
CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 2026 1 Thur
New Year’s Day Run & BBQ at Club Museum Meet at Clubrooms at 1.30pm for a 1.45pm departure, bring your afternoon tea- BBQ from 5.30pm bring chair, your cutlery, crockery, a salad and dessert to share
31 Sat
Annual Rally See Pages 13 - 16 Entry Form and Details.
February 15 Sun
VTNZ/ Cancer Society Car Show - see page 11 for details
22 Sun
Chairman’s Run- see page 6
26 Thur
Mid Week Run -
Members We extend a warm welcome to our new Member, Jane Sergeant and a transfer from the Marlborough Branch, welcome to John Humm. We hope you will take an active participation in our Club Meetings and Outings etc, even if your vehicle is not roadworthy yet, come in your modern. It would be appreciated if you would write an article on the vehicle/s you have, trips taken or anything else of interest. This includes solving mechanical problems you have encountered, your vehicles history (if known) and photos to share with other Members, in the Blowout. I look forward to hearing from you. Please send to the Editor: chris.gulleford@outlook.com
Chris 4
Chairman’s Report December 2025 What’s happened to the year? I was asked a few months ago to organise the Ruralco Staff and Family Christmas Event. I made the necessary bookings with venue, food, Father Christmas and the face painting. Then a week ago a Staff Member asked if I had organised the Children’s Christmas presents. I hadn’t, thinking I had heaps of time, a bit of a panic and it was organised, the Christmas party was a success.
It’s a bit like the year we have just had, we just get involved in what we are doing and loose a bit of focus on what is coming up. Our Membership seems to be remaining static which when you think about it is a good thing. We have recently received a VCC transfer from the Marlborough Branch, welcome John Humm and a new Member to the Club, Jane Sergeant. My condolences go out to Anne Hart and Family with the recent passing of Stuart. Stuart was always one of our Members that would participate in most of our events and activities and would call into the Parts Shed most Saturdays for a chat. His presence will be missed. The Museum is looking rather good at the moment with the new notice stands in front of some of the vehicles. The stands feature some excellent history/details about the vehicle and makes for some good reading. We do intend to put these stands in front of every vehicle so the visitors are able to read and satisfy their curiosity about each vehicle. Can I please ask, if you have a vehicle or vehicles in the Museum that you provide us with information about the vehicle on show so we are able to put it on display with the vehicle. We have also had new OPEN, signs installed for the Museum door and footpath signs, looks very professional. The Parts Shed Team seems to be on a roll with parts and the sale of various vehicles. It’s quite surprising what comes in and how quick it goes out, well done to the guys. 5
Looking forward to 2026, we have plenty of events that may tickle your fancy, please have a look through the Blowout for more details and please put the dates in your diary so you don’t forget. A few of the events we have coming up; New Years Day Run and BBQ . Annual Rally, which is always a great event to attend. VTNZ Car Show, this attracts all sorts of vehicles from all over Mid Canterbury and further a field, a good event to attract potential VCC Members. Chairman’s Run Lastly, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year Peter Jacob Branch Chairman Peter I’m sorry I haven't got a photo of your car, hope this is okay to use.
Chairman's Run. 22nd February Meet at the Clubrooms at 10.30am
for an 11am start. Bring your lunch and seats, etc. It is approximately a one hour run to the Rangitata Huts.
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Passing Lane
Stuart Hart With sadness we record the passing of Stuart Hart who has been an active Member since joining the Vintage Car Club in 1988. Stuart’s support for our Club included duties in the Parts Shed and assistance in various other ways including distribution of Blowout magazines. He and Anne were often seen on rallies either in the Oldsmobile previously owned by Stuart’s grandmother or in the Mercedes purchased new by his father. We have always enjoyed Stuart’s company and appreciated his contribution to our Club. Our condolences are extended to Anne and Family members.
Kevin Sisson
A keen supporter of Classic Motoring and of our Club, Kevin was especially associated with Armstrong Siddeley. Not long before his recent passing, Kevin along with Keith Pickford organised the recent enjoyable and successful Armstrong Siddeley Club of N.Z. National Rally and AGM held locally. Kevin was a volunteer driver for the Rakaia Community Shuttle Service, helping many people get to appointments. Always happy to have a chat, Kevin is missed, we offer sympathy to Kevin’s family. 7
1st January - New Year's Day Run Meet at the Clubrooms at 1.30pm for a 1.45pm start for an easy maximum 1 hour run around the local area to end at a notable feature. What will it be? Will there be 1, 2 or 3 sets of instructions?
Come along and find out. Bring your afternoon tea. BBQ Dinner at the Club Museum from 5.30pm. Please bring a chair, your cutlery, crockery, a salad and dessert to share. Please remember to bring utensils for serving your dish
Mt COOK RALLY We have been advised by the South Canterbury Branch that this Rally is now being shifted from next year onwards to the South Canterbury Anniversary Day Weekend 26th to 28th of September 2026 because of issues with accommodation over Labour Weekend in Twizel. Thank you.
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31st January - Annual Rally. Entry forms are published in the middle of this Blowout and also they have been emailed out already. All you need to do is enter. Electronically is best to this email address. You can also just fill the form in and take a photo and Email to: ashburton@vcc.org.nz Post: Vintage Car Club Ashburton Branch PO Box 382 Ashburton 7740 Mail is always the default, but get your entries in now Phone: You can txt the form to me at 027-437-2087.
Thanks Colin - Secretary
15 February - VTNZ Car Show See page 11 for more details This is now an Annual Event for the local Cancer Society with lots of prizes and free WOF's to win. Let’s make it better than last year! Start polishing your cars now.
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Famous in NZ is our very own…. SANTA BERNARD HO HO HO !!! Santa was on the National Radio Station this morning 18/12 telling listeners all about how he became Santa. So I talked to Bernard afterwards and asked how they had tracked him down and it turns out a young reporter working for “The Guardian” years ago had interviewed him and now working for Radio NZ was asked if she knew of a Santa’s Helper. She said ‘yes she did know of one,’ so that’s how we now have a NZ famous Santa. Bernard is still being Santa around Ashburton after approx. 40 years.
The picture below is one of the many different Santas he has been arriving in, instead of his sleigh it’s a new Mercedes. ED: Thanks Bernard for giving joy to so many folks old and young.
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11
Hyundai/Isuzu Mid Canterbury Workshop open 5-1/2 Days WOF *$5.00 Discount to VCC Members LPG Certificates
All work carried out by Qualified Tradesmen
Ph:307 2415
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Ashburton Vintage Car Club 57th ANNUAL RALLY SATURDAY 31st JANUARY 2026 Commencing from the Clubrooms 86 Maronan Road Tinwald Ashburton to: Final destination Kakahu Station - Geraldine Secretary: Colin Sweetman Post: Vintage Car Club Ashburton Br. PO Box 382 Ashburton 7740 Or Email: ashburton@vcc.org.nz
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Please fill in and return to: Annual Rally Post: Vintage Car Club Ashburton Branch PO Box 382 Ashburton 7740 Email: ashburton@vcc.org.nz ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 23rd JANUARY 2026
(Note no Entry Fee required) Entrant’s Name . Address VCC Membership No:
Ph:
Driver .
Navigator
Vehicle Make
Model
Year of Manufacture
Reg. Number
Vehicle Class (Please Circle) Veteran Vintage PV PWV Post 60 Post 80 Commercial Motorcycle Preferred route, please indicate. Touring Short Distance travelled to rally Concours Entry? (Circle)
Miles Yes
No
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH THERE IS NO EVENING MEAL 14
Please fill in and return to: Annual Rally Post: Vintage Car Club Ashburton Branch PO Box 382 Ashburton 7740 Email: ashburton@vcc.org.nz ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 23rd JANUARY 2026
(Note no Entry Fee required) Entrant’s Name . Address VCC Membership No:
Ph:
Driver .
Navigator
Vehicle Make
Model
Year of Manufacture
Reg. Number
Vehicle Class (Please Circle) Veteran Vintage PV PWV Post 60 Post 80 Commercial Motorcycle Preferred route, please indicate. Touring Short Distance travelled to rally Concours Entry? (Circle)
Miles Yes
No
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH
THERE IS NO EVENING MEAL 15
The Ashburton branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand cordially invites you to participate in our 57th Annual Rally to be held on Saturday 31st January 2026 commencing from our Clubrooms at 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald, Ashburton at 9.30am. Complimentary morning tea/coffee will be provided before the Rally. Briefing will begin at 9.30am with the first vehicle away at 10.30am. (Field tests held first). Two routes are offered, a touring route with some shingle and a short route with all sealed roads. Vehicles entered for Concours must be on the Club grounds by 9.00am ready for judging. There is no time trial this year, but brain teasers will be included. This event is open to all financial Members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. We welcome all classes of vehicles that are recognised by the Club.
The Rally Organiser’s, in conjunction with the Branch Committee, will handle any disputes. There is a charge of $20 per car (cash on the day) for entry to Kakahu Station. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH. THERE IS NO EVENING MEAL THIS YEAR PRIZEGIVING WILL BE PRESENTED AT DESTINATION 16
October Mid Week Run On 29th of October a mix of vintage and modern cars gathered at the Clubrooms on a bright, sunny morning. A young Tinwald man, Sean, saw our cars and called in to say Hi….hopefully a new member. Following a time of meeting and greeting, we were given instruction sheets to guide us to our destination.
There were a couple of questions included to get us thinking. We set off around 10.50 and turned right into Maronan Rd. We continued on this road turning left into Winslow/Westerfield Rd. The mountains were magnificent and the countryside green and lush as we wound our way through Orari and Hinds districts. We turned right into Canal/Factory Rd heading towards Temuka. A right turn brought us to Domain Ave, then left to merge onto SH1. After another couple of turns we arrived at our destination..... The Shearers Quarters where delicious meals were enjoyed. The opportunity to play mini golf and meet a variety of animals was also available. Many Thanks to Jill and John for organising our October run. Mary and Ian Harrison
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March Vero Rally in Nelson We would love to hear from Ashburton entrants who would like to travel up as a group to Nelson. Please ring Dave on 027 952 462
Dave Cornelius and Sue Norton
Storage for Vintage Car We have been contacted by Trish Best who has a garage available for storage of a vintage car.
If you are interested in this, give her a call on:
027 757 5599. WANTED TO BUY Would have a spare second-hand Whitworth Socket Set available for purchase please? Prefer garage-sale price as opposed to Oil Sheik price. Also interested in a Whitworth Ring Spanner Set. Many thanks and Merry Christmas Peter McQuarters:- 021 1291 333 aeromedia@xtra.co.nz 19
Humber from a Slumber I spied it from across the Spares Compound at the Ashburton VCC complex. In a “that wasn’t here last Saturday” kind of way. It was certainly no contender for the Ellerslie Concours yet it had a homely presence. And a ton of “patina”. And not much paint or interior. A survivor of the mid 50’s. A sound, straight 1955 Humber 80 in need of a mountain of cosmetic care. Not necessarily unduly expensive care, but “sweat equity” type care. Huddled around the front of it, with the bonnet off, a boraxpoking collective of Mid Canterbury finest senior practical blokes, no strangers to coaxing life out of dormant forms, were seemingly on a mission. Approaching with curiosity it was soon apparent they were intent of bringing this sleeping relic to life. In the moment. Now !! Or at least giving it a jolly good shot. After various configurations of getting fuel to the important part via various Kiwi No 8 methodology, and with a battery duly connected, the command was sent forth from the gent seemingly in control, to turn the key and pull the starter. “Stand back and let your mother see the races!!!!” Holy Heck ! The dear old thing obliged willingly, even earnestly, and burst straight into life. And ran as sweet and smooth as you can possibly imagine. Proper nice. 20
It takes a fair bit to get Septuagenarians and Octogenarians visibly excited but this appeared to do the trick. This classic 70 year old piece of British engineering and Kiwi motoring history is now available and looking for the right person to take it to the next level. It is being offered through the branch and expressions of interest can be made to Gavin Smith on 308 2297. You may have many questions like:“Are there any cigarette burns in the carpet?” “Will I be in trouble at home if I buy it?” “Do you do afterpay?” “Is there a warranty?” “Can I test drive it to Invercargill?” “If I get it and make a really good job of it, may I display it in the Museum?” Gavin is especially qualified to answer all these questions and many more you may have. For price, banter and a bit of a good old haggle, call him. That number again. 308 2297. Gavin Smith Good luck. Especially with she who must be obeyed. Contributed by Peter McQuarters Occasional parts shed prowler 21
P60 - 80 Run 9th November 2025 Afternoon visit to the Wigram Aviation Museum....
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The front interior of a Bristol freighter and exterior of same
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P60-80 Run - 9th November Papanui Tavern for lunch
$3500
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RICHARD BEGBIE PLUMBING AND GAS FITTING LIMITED Certified for ALL Plumbing Drain Laying & Gas Fitting For Prompt Efficient Service Anytime Town & Country Phone 027 484 6000 or 308 4690 after hours begbie@ubb.co.nz RICHARD BEGBIE PLUMBING AND GAS FITTING LIMITED
ALLENTON AUTO CENTRE
WOF - Discount to VCC Members Tyres Servicing Full Workshop Service 24/7 Fuel Corner Harrison Street and Allens Road Phone: 308 6194 25
PARTS SHED OPEN 10 -12 SATURDAY 2026 JANUARY 3 CLOSED
FEBRUARY 7 Tony Adams
MARCH 7 Rod McKimmie
10 Gavin Smith
14 Owen Wilson
14 Alan Begg
17 Grant Cullimore 21Gavin Smith
21 Tony Adams
24 Rod McKimmie 28 Grant Cullimore
28 Owen Wilson
31 Alan Begg IF ROSTER DATE DOES NOT SUIT, PLEASE ORGANISE SOMEONE ELSE Gavin Smith
308 2297
Grant Cullimore 308 8119
Tony Adams
0211 267 992
Alan Begg
308 6171
Rod McKimmie 0273 106 781 Owen Wilson
0274 345 636
Other Regions Parts Shed Hours Canterbury Every Wednesday, 1pm-4.30pm. 3rd & 4th Sundays 9am - 12 Noon. South Canterbury Phone John Campbell, 03 686 0282 ARTICLES FOR BLOWOUT BY 23rd OF MONTH PLEASE
Please send to:
chris.gulleford@outlook.com
or post to:
Chris Gulleford 29 Bayview Street KAIKOURA 7300 Ph: 0274 390 718 NEXT COMMITTEE MEETINGS AT 7.30PM
20TH JANUARY - 17TH FEBRUARY 2026 26
MUSEUM ROSTER 2026 JANUARY
FEBRUARY
3 CLOSED 10 Trevor Coulter
7 Michael Hanley
7 Jim Rooney
14 Jim Rooney
14 Les Bennett
17 John Wells
21 Trevor Coulter
21 Michael Hanley
24 Colin Sweetman 28 John Wells
MARCH
28 Colin Sweetman
31 Les Bennett IF ROSTER DATE DOES NOT SUIT ORGANISE SOMEONE ELSE
John Wells 307 0009 Trevor Coulter 308 4817
Colin Sweetman Les Bennett
307 7373 308 4705
Michael Hannley 021 878 804
Jim Rooney
308 4441
Clubroom Custodians Roster 2026 as per AGM If the month allocated to you does not suit please arrange to swap with someone else. August 2026 September 2026
June 2026
July 2026
Phil Kenny & Sue Tanner
Roger & Isla Jones
John Wards & Jill Blacklock
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2026
Peter and Susan Lambie March 2026
Noel & Marie Batty
Deirdre & John Wells
April 2026
May 2026
Owen & Lorraine Wilson
Rod & Dawn McKimmie
David & Marion Oakley
Ian & Sharon Moore February 2026 Percy & Heather Ralston
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Heather & John McKimmie
Two fully qualified restorers, dedicated to restorations only Insurance and Private Work
Loan cars available Accepted by all insurance companies Locally owned and operated family business Phone: 03 308 5238 or Duncan 0272 831 513, Debra 0272 921 969 104 South Street, Ashburton
www.panelcraftltd.co.nz – email info@panelcraftltd.co.nz 28